mistake as to the
intentions of the burgomasters of the city of Amsterdam; since it will
be made evident by the above mentioned declaration, that they have not
the absurd design of concluding a convention independently of their
High Mightinesses, but only to make such preparations as are possible
to accelerate the conclusion of a treaty of commerce, when the
opportunity shall present. It is plain, that a treaty of commerce
cannot be concluded, unless the principal commercial city of the
republic gives its consent thereto, and that it cannot give its
consent without having examined the terms. This examination may as
well precede, as follow the acknowledgment of the independence of
America by the English, in which case we should gain much time.

With regard to the terms, I will explain my own views, Sir, in a very
few words, viz. that, in general, we should grant each other mutually
all the facilities necessary to render commerce as free as possible,
and that for this purpose we should take the treaty between France and
America as the basis, changing nothing except those provisions, which
cannot be applicable in the republic.

If this principle accord with the views of Congress on this subject, I
will have the above mentioned treaty examined by experienced
merchants, and communicate to you their opinion with regard to the
additions, or omissions, necessary to negotiate a treaty of commerce
between the republic and the United States of America on that basis.

If you wish for any further explanations, I beg you, Sir, to give me
information, but I think the views I have proposed so simple, that
nothing further will be necessary.

I have the honor to be, Sir, &c.

E. T. VAN BERCKEL.

* * * * *

_Declaration of E. T. Van Berckel._

Translation.

Amsterdam, September 23d, 1778.

The undersigned, Pentionary of the city of Amsterdam has the honor to
make known to those who are duly authorised by the Congress of the
United States of America, that he is empowered by the Burgomasters of
the aforementioned city, to declare in their names, that, provided the
said Congress do not enter into any engagements with the English
Commissioners, which may be hurtful or prejudicial to the commerce of
the republic of the United Provinces, directly or indirectly, the
af